Mark 12:1 - 27

Jesus speaks directly against the religious leaders, comparing them to murderous tenants of a king's vineyard who refuse to respect the lord of the manor.  Knowing He referred to them, the leaders desired to seize Him, but would not because they were unsure of how the crowd would respond.  They send some from their groups to try to catch Him in a error of logic or a conflicting statement concerning taxes and the future.  In each instance, Jesus responds with diplomacy, directness and a clear understanding of God's Word that leaves the questions answered without any conflict caused with His earlier statements.